NYC Bedbug Filing - FAQ

1- How to File an Annual Bedbug Report in NYC?

Property owners are required to file a Bedbug Annual Report with the HPD. This involves obtaining the bedbug infestation history from tenants or unit owners, including whether eradication measures were employed, and disclosing this information electronically, by email, by mail or by phone. See the Step-by-Step Guide here, Checkout NYC Bedbug App to see bedbug reports of any address in NYC.

2- When Should I file the Annual NYC Bedbug Report?

Property owners must file annually between December 1 and December 31 for the previous year from November 1 through October 31.

3- What Happens if I Do Not Comply with the Bedbug Filing Requirements?

If the required bedbug report is not submitted by the specified deadline, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) may take enforcement action against your property. This could involve the issuance of a violation notice. Additionally, failure to comply with this filing requirement can lead to civil penalties ranging from $500 to $5,000. It is crucial for property owners to adhere to these regulations to avoid these financial penalties and to contribute to the city's efforts in controlling bedbug infestations. Compliance not only helps in maintaining the integrity and habitability of your property but also ensures a healthier living environment for all residents.

4- Do I have to disclose bedbug infestations to new tenants?

Under New York State law, there is a mandatory requirement to inform new tenants about the property's bedbug infestation history. This disclosure must cover any bedbug infestations that have occurred within the last year and must be provided through the official Bedbug Disclosure Form. This legal obligation ensures transparency and promotes informed decision-making by tenants prior to entering into a lease agreement. Compliance not only adheres to state regulations but also contributes to the broader effort of managing and mitigating bedbug infestations in residential properties.

5- How should I disclose bedbug infestations to new tenants?

Upon submission of the NYC Bedbug Report, property owners are also obligated to affirmatively certify one of two conditions:

• That a digital or electronic copy of this comprehensive report will be individually distributed to each tenant at the juncture of lease renewal or at the initiation of a new lease agreement.

• Alternatively, that a physical copy of this report will be conspicuously posted within a common area of the building no later than 60 days following the report's filing. Furthermore, the owner must retain evidence confirming that the report was indeed prominently displayed within this timeframe, in accordance with the filing with HPD.

6- Can I file my Bedbug Report in languages other than English?

Yes! You may file your reports in the following languages:

• Arabic / العربية

• Bengali / বাংলা

• Chinese (Simplified) / 简化字

• French / français

• Haitian-Creole / Kreyòl ayisyen

• Korean / 한국어

• Polish / polski

• Russian / Русский язык

• Spanish / Español

• Urdu / اردو

7- What information do I need to provide in the NYC Bedbug filing?

Property owners are mandated to compile and submit a detailed report that encompasses the following critical data points:

• Building ID and Building Registration ID (Don't have Registration ID? Get one here)

• The total number of dwelling units within the property.

• The quantity of those units, as either reported to or independently known by the owner, that experienced a bedbug infestation during the preceding year.

• The number of dwelling units, again as reported or known by the owner, where measures to eradicate bedbugs were implemented within the last year.

• For the eradicated units mentioned above, an account of how many encountered a bedbug infestation subsequent to the application of eradication measures.

8- Are Landlords Responsible for taking actions to treat Bedbugs in NYC?

Yes, landlords are responsible for addressing bedbug infestations promptly. Both the Housing Maintenance Code and Health Code require that property owners address infestations quickly using prevention, early detection, and rapid treatment strategies.

9- Am I Responsible for Bedbug Costs in NYC?

Yes, property owners are generally responsible for the costs associated with the eradication of bedbugs. New York State law requires property owners to hire only pest control professionals licensed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to treat apartments for bedbugs. Owners must ensure the infestation is eliminated and make follow-up visits to ensure the absence of bedbugs.

10- What Are the Steps for Addressing a Bedbug Infestation?

Landlords must perform an inspection to confirm the presence of bedbugs, treat the infestation with a licensed pest management professional, and make follow-up visits to ensure eradication. They must also file an annual bedbug report and provide or post a copy of it along with the DOHMH’s bedbug prevention and eradication guide to tenants.